I've had skittish ones and bold ones. I think it's the luck of the draw. Dithers/other fish really help. My current EBJD nearly smashes itself on the front glass when I walk past thinking I'm gonna feed it.
Love hate feelings for jack dempsey
- Thread starter Mrs. Nicky
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Agree with the others. Dithers and other fish will help. I have 2 males, 1 female, and a small group of silver dollars right now. Range from 3-7 inches. I may have to eventually remove 1 of the jacks so I keep a close eye on them, but hiding is kept to a minimum. Minimal decor helps too. Last year I kept just 1 for a month in a heavily decorated tank and he hid 24/7. Only came out to eat. Eventually got rid of it and moved to a different fish, before attempting JDs again with the right setup.
The largest seems to be the only one to hide. He'll chill more than hide though; rest at an area, move around, rest again for another 10 minutes, then cruise the tank.
Here's a shot: https://gfycat.com/DarlingAnnualFreshwatereel
The largest seems to be the only one to hide. He'll chill more than hide though; rest at an area, move around, rest again for another 10 minutes, then cruise the tank.
Here's a shot: https://gfycat.com/DarlingAnnualFreshwatereel
What size tank do you have them in?
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Nice video! Wow I guess I really need to get some dithers. I love the way your jacks are just hanging out with everybody else. How will tiger barbs work for dithers?
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Just a 55 for now. I'll either upgrade to a 75/90, or re-home if one of them becomes problematic.
I love them too, lol. I lucked out though, with both of my males. They are extremely docile.
The largest (~7") was dropped off at one of my LFS. The previous owner said he was being terrorized by a 3" GT. The LFS said they tried putting him with a 4" RD, and the RD kept flaring while JD just wanted it to leave him alone. Gave me the hopes he was one of those uncommon peaceful JDs, so I gave him a shot and am glad I did. Not sure if you can tell from the image, but his dorsal fin is nipped near the end. That was from a 3" convict I used to have that wouldn't leave him alone. He's just a gentle giant.
The other (~5") was being beat up by a larger jewel in a small, un-heated tank. He was huddled near another male, so it gave me hopes of being another passive one. Here's how he was when I got him: https://gfycat.com/PoorPortlyDogfish He healed up in 3-4 weeks.
As for tiger barbs, I'd say it's a hit or miss. I've heard of people using smaller targets like buenos aires tetras, black skirt tetras, giant danios, and various barbs, but would occasionally lose some now and then. Never get that problem with silver dollars, but you never know until you try.
Ok cool. My jack dempsey's have started to pair up. I have a GT and a musk turtle with them. I will be rehoming the GT soon because he is not growing and I am sure he will make a nice snack in a few months. I know my tank is overstocked but they are fine until I decide if I want to upgrade my 60 gallon to a 75 or 90 gallon. For a few weeks I've been thinking about rehoming everything besides the turtle so that I can start an angelfish community with some rummy nose tetras and neon tetras. I can always get jack dempsey's later if I want but for now I'm tired of all the hiding
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Dempseys in my top 10 looks wise. Unfortunately the ones I have kept have lacked in the personality department
